PILATES

A number of versions of Pilates are taught today and the majority are based on up to nine principles. The original six principles were concentration, control, center, flow, precision, and breathing.

 

Breathing is important in the Pilates method. There is considerable value in increasing the intake of oxygen and the circulation of this oxygenated blood to every part of the body and can be seen to be cleansing and invigorating.

 

Pilates demands intense focus, the way that exercises are done is more important than the exercises themselves. All exercises are done with control, the muscles working to lift against gravity and the resistance of the springs and thereby control the movement of the body and the apparatus.